Meet Priscilla, our Director of Postpartum Support Services! She is an LMFT and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional and is excited to offer FREE 45-minute Postpartum Screener Appointments for mothers of infants (birth through 18 months) or pregnant mothers for a LIMITED TIME ONLY. Her hope is through these screening appointments, more mothers can get the support they need early on to prevent, identify, and address postpartum mental health challenges that often arise. We know the earlier mothers get the care and support they need, it will promote well-being for themselves, their baby, and their whole family. Come get your questions answered and receive the support and guidance you deserve.
Postpartum Screener Appointments will include:
-Screening Questionnaire
-Individual Interview with Priscilla
-Personalized Feedback, which may include education, resources, service recommendations, as well as practical, supportive strategies you can start using at home today
Priscilla answered some common questions below about the postpartum period and when a screener appointment may be a good fit for you!
Are the baby blues normal?
Yes! About 80% of birthing individuals experience what many people know of as the “baby blues” that occur in the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth and will go away on their own. Parents typically report crying, irritability, exhaustion, and mood changes due to the hormonal drop that occurs.
What if these “baby blues” feelings don’t go away after 3 weeks and are starting to interfere with my daily life?
If it doesn’t go away and maybe even worsens, you may be experiencing a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (professionals call them “PMADS”), which can occur during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. Experiencing a PMAD is not your fault and can happen to any birthing individual. It is actually very common as well and can range from what is commonly known as experiencing “postpartum depression”, perinatal PTSD or anxiety.
So then, What is a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD)?
Lots of people talk about postpartum depression, which is only one type of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder. However, there are other individuals who may experience other PMADS, such as Perinatal Anxiety or Perinatal PTSD.
PMADS are persistent beyond the first 3 weeks and generally are when your feelings, thoughts, and/or behaviors are increasingly overwhelming and interfering with your day-to-day. Many parents report having intrusive thoughts, an increase in anxiety or panicky feelings, lots of tearfulness, feeling very irritable/rage, or just not feeling like themselves, to name a few.
PMADS are more common than people often talk about, and research shows PMADS affects 1 in 5 mothers.
If you think you might be experiencing a PMAD or would like to check in on how you are feeling during the postpartum period, I would love to chat with you! Please call us and schedule your FREE 45-minute Postpartum Screener Appointment. You can reach our office at (858) 692-4187 // contact@sdkidsfirst.com